Get resetting passwords right
Before you start the process, make sure your device is ready. The new biometric security updates require specific conditions to verify your identity securely. If your phone is locked or your account is in a suspicious state, the reset will fail.
Check these items first:
- Active Internet Connection: You need Wi-Fi or cellular data to receive verification codes or biometric prompts.
- Trusted Device: Use an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch already signed in with your Apple ID. This device helps confirm your identity without a password.
- Biometric Access: Ensure Face ID or Touch ID is enabled and working on your trusted device. The system uses this to approve the password change.
- Recovery Email/Phone: Verify that your recovery contact info is up to date. If biometrics fail, you’ll need this backup method.
Note: If you recently changed your Apple ID password on another device, wait a few minutes before trying to reset it again. Changes can take time to sync across Apple’s servers.
Once these prerequisites are met, you can proceed with the official reset steps.
How to reset your Apple ID password
Apple’s shift toward biometric security means your Apple ID password now works alongside Face ID or Touch ID, but it remains essential for account recovery, device setup, and trusted changes. If you’ve forgotten your password or need to refresh it after a security update, follow these steps to regain access without locking yourself out.
Step 1: Go to Apple’s password reset page
Navigate to iforgot.apple.com on any web browser. This is the official portal for resetting credentials. If you’re already signed in on an iPhone or Mac, you can also access this through Settings > [your name] > Sign-In & Security > Change Password. Using the web portal is often faster if you’re locked out of your devices.
Step 2: Enter your Apple ID
Type in the email address or phone number associated with your Apple ID. Apple will verify the account exists and then prompt you for the next verification method. If you don’t remember which email you used, click “Look it up” to search by your first and last name.
Step 3: Choose your verification method
Apple will offer one or more ways to verify your identity. This might include:
- Receiving a code via SMS or a phone call to your trusted number.
- Using two-factor authentication with a trusted device (if you’re already signed in elsewhere).
- Answering your security questions (if you set them up before two-factor was mandatory).
Choose the method that is most accessible to you. If you’ve lost access to your trusted phone, you may need to use a backup email or security questions.
Step 4: Verify your identity
Enter the code sent to your device or phone. If using security questions, type your answers carefully. Apple will validate this information before allowing you to proceed. If you fail multiple attempts, your account may be temporarily locked. Wait a few minutes and try again, or use the “Need another way?” option if available.
Step 5: Create a new password
Once verified, you’ll be prompted to create a new password. Apple requires:
- At least 8 characters.
- A mix of uppercase and lowercase letters.
- At least one number.
Avoid using personal information or previous passwords. After setting the new password, you’ll be signed out of all devices for security. You’ll need to sign back in on each device, where Face ID or Touch ID may prompt you to re-link your biometrics to the new credential.
Step 6: Update trusted devices
After resetting, go to Settings > [your name] > Sign-In & Security on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Ensure your trusted phone numbers and email addresses are up to date. This prevents future lockouts if you lose access to a device.
Checklist: Before you finish
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Write down your new password in a secure place.
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Verify your trusted phone number and email in Apple ID settings.
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Test the new password by signing out and back into one device.
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Enable two-factor authentication if not already active.
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Update passwords on any third-party apps that used your Apple ID for login.
Fix Common Mistakes
Most password resets fail because users rush the biometric verification step. The new security updates require a clean handshake between your device’s biometric sensor and Apple’s servers. If you skip a confirmation or ignore a prompt, the process hangs.
1. Don’t ignore the device confirmation prompt After entering your Apple ID and requesting a reset, a notification appears on your trusted devices. Tap "Allow" immediately. If you wait more than 60 seconds or dismiss it, the request expires. You must restart the entire process from the sign-in screen. This is not a glitch; it is a security timeout.
2. Don’t use a password you’ve used recently Apple’s password history check is strict. If you try to reuse a password from the last 12 months, the system will reject it silently. You won’t get a helpful error message like "password too old." It will just say "invalid." Check your password history or use a password manager to ensure the new password is unique.
3. Don’t assume biometric login replaces the old password Even with Face ID or Touch ID enabled, you still need your actual password for certain high-security actions, like resetting the password itself. If you have forgotten the alphanumeric password, biometrics alone cannot retrieve it. You must use the "Forgot Apple ID or password?" link to trigger the email or phone-based reset flow.
4. Don’t skip the two-factor authentication check If you have 2FA enabled, you will receive a six-digit code via SMS or a trusted device. Enter it exactly as shown. Common errors include confusing the letter 'O' with the number '0'. If the code doesn’t arrive, check your network connection and ensure your trusted phone number is correct in your account settings.
Resetting passwords: what to check next
Work through 2026 Guide: How to Reset Your Apple ID Password After New Biometric Security Updates
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